During an interview with Hy-Lo News’ Can We Talk podcast, Dennis discussed his vision for creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening the relationship between residents and local government.
As Opa-locka residents prepare to vote in the Nov. 3 municipal election, City Commission candidate Brian Dennis says the city’s future depends on expanding economic opportunities, improving infrastructure and making sure residents have a stronger voice in local government.
Dennis shared his priorities during an interview on Hy-Lo News’ Can We Talk podcast, discussing everything from attracting tourism and creating jobs to addressing water infrastructure and building trust between residents and law enforcement.
Dennis is one of four candidates seeking two City Commission seats. The other candidates are Randolph Aikens, Sherelean Bass and Audrey Dominguez, according to the city’s official election information.
Economic development is at the center of his vision
Dennis wants Opa-locka to attract more visitors, businesses and investment while ensuring residents benefit from the city’s growth.
He pointed to Opa-locka’s Moorish architecture, historic sites and community events as potential attractions that could help draw visitors and stimulate the local economy.
For Dennis, development should be about more than constructing new buildings. He said the city must find ways to keep money circulating within the community.
“You can create all the housing in the world, but what structure can you create to keep the dollars within the city?” Dennis said.
He also discussed the potential of redeveloping the former landfill, while acknowledging that such a project would require environmental cleanup and partnerships with state and federal agencies.
Although Dennis outlined several ideas, residents will still need details about potential projects, including estimated costs, funding sources, timelines and how success would be measured.
He wants residents to benefit from new jobs
Dennis emphasized connecting Opa-locka residents with employment opportunities as businesses and development projects come to the city.
He proposed initiatives such as job fairs, resume assistance and stronger connections between residents and employers. He also referenced his previous experience as a job creation specialist, which he said helped him connect residents with opportunities.
“If you got qualified residents in my city, so let’s have a job fair,” Dennis said.
His approach focuses on ensuring residents are prepared to compete for available jobs rather than watching economic development happen around them without sharing in its benefits.
The question for voters is how those initiatives would be organized, funded and measured if Dennis is elected.
Water infrastructure is a major priority
Infrastructure was another central issue in Dennis’ interview, particularly the condition of the city’s water pipes and roads.
“Every street in this city need to be dug up and re-piped,” Dennis said.
He argued that addressing aging water infrastructure could help resolve recurring concerns about the city’s water system while creating opportunities to improve roads afterward. He also suggested that infrastructure projects could provide employment for local residents.
However, a citywide repiping effort would require substantial planning and resources. Dennis did not provide a detailed cost estimate, funding plan or timeline during the interview.
Those details will be important for residents evaluating whether his proposal is financially and practically achievable.
Public safety and community relationships
Dennis also discussed public safety and the importance of improving relationships between residents and law enforcement.
He spoke positively about the city’s police leadership and management while emphasizing the need for greater police visibility, community engagement and opportunities for young people to build positive relationships with officers.
“The police and the citizens are now put in an adversarial position,” Dennis said.
His comments highlighted the challenge of building trust between law enforcement and the communities it serves. Dennis suggested that community events, training opportunities and stronger relationships with local schools could help improve those connections.
His broader message was that public safety requires more than enforcement. It also involves communication, community involvement and opportunities for residents to engage with local institutions.
Financial oversight and government accountability
Dennis discussed the city’s financial management and the role commissioners play in overseeing public spending.
He praised City Manager Mecca Lawson’s leadership and described the importance of maintaining financial stability while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used responsibly.
As a commissioner, Dennis would be part of a governing body responsible for considering city priorities, approving expenditures and making decisions that affect residents’ daily lives.
His emphasis on accountability raises several questions voters may want answered: How would he improve financial transparency? What spending priorities would he support? And how would he measure whether city services are improving?
Clear answers to those questions would help residents understand how his campaign promises would translate into policy.
Dennis says residents should have access to their elected officials
Dennis said accessibility would be an important part of his approach to public service.
“You can never say you can’t get in touch with your elected official,” he said.
He described an approach centered on remaining available to residents, attending community events and responding to concerns. He also spoke about maintaining public spaces and creating opportunities for young people.
Dennis’ comments reflect a broader theme throughout the interview: Residents should be able to communicate directly with the people making decisions on their behalf.
For voters, the challenge will be determining how that commitment would work in practice, including how residents could submit concerns and receive updates on issues affecting their neighborhoods.
His background includes community service and advocacy
During the interview, Dennis discussed his experience with local boards and community initiatives, including service on the city’s charter review board and the Community Relations, Parks and Recreation and Activities Board.
He also spoke about writing for The Miami Times, criminal justice advocacy and efforts related to restoring voting rights. Dennis referenced his experience working on job creation and discussed his responsibilities as a single father.
He presented those experiences as part of the foundation for his decision to seek elected office and his interest in connecting residents with city government.
What voters should ask before Election Day
Dennis has outlined several priorities, but residents should look beyond campaign promises and consider how his proposals would be carried out.
Key questions include:
- Economic development: What specific projects would he pursue to attract businesses and visitors to Opa-locka?
- Infrastructure: How would a major water-pipe replacement project be funded, and what would the timeline look like?
- Employment: How would he ensure local residents have access to jobs created by new development?
- Public safety: What measurable steps would he take to strengthen relationships between residents and police?
- Accountability: How would he keep residents informed about spending decisions, project progress and the results of city initiatives?
These questions can help voters assess the feasibility of Dennis’ proposals and compare his plans with those of the other candidates.
The bottom line
Dennis is campaigning on a vision of Opa-locka that prioritizes economic development, infrastructure improvements, local employment, public safety and government accountability.
His proposal to make the city a stronger destination for visitors and businesses is tied to a broader goal: ensuring that growth creates meaningful opportunities for the people who already live there.
Whether that vision becomes reality will depend on the specifics of his proposals, available funding and his ability to work with fellow commissioners and city leadership.
Opa-locka voters will have the opportunity to choose two city commissioners on Tuesday, Nov. 3. As Election Day approaches, residents can review the candidates’ priorities and decide which plans best address the city’s needs.
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